{
  "id": 3498299,
  "title": "Europol warns on 'explosive' museum robberies targeting gold and jewels",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/europol-warns-on-explosive-museum-robberies-targeting-gold-and-jewels-3498299",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-26T11:10:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uk/2026/08/26/europol-warns-on-explosive-museum-robberies-targeting-gold-and-jewels/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Museum heists are evolving into more violent affairs, according to Europol, the European Union's law enforcement agency. Thieves are increasingly using explosives, axes, and sledgehammers to target ancient gold artifacts that can be melted down and sold without leaving traces. The report \"Changing Tactics, Changing Targets: The Evolving Nature of Museum Heists\" indicates that the profile of museum robbers is shifting, with a move from guile to brute force and a background in other types of crime. Criminal networks are drawn to museum heists due to their visibility, accessibility, and the perception that museum security is less robust than that of jewelry stores. The trend started in 2024, following a robbery at the Cognacq-Jay art museum in Paris, where four hooded criminals stole seven gold and diamond-adorned objects. Violence was also present in the Louvre Museum robbery in October, when thieves smashed a window, threatened guards and visitors, and stole €88 million worth of jewelry. Explosives were used in the Netherlands, where a gang broke into the Drents Museum in Assen, stealing several Dacian archaeological artifacts, including a golden helmet and three bracelets. Europol notes that recent convicted thieves often coordinate their efforts ad hoc through social media and instant communication channels, rather than operating in organized gangs. The criminals are frequently recruited locally and often have no prior connections to each other.",
  "summary": "Museum robberies are becoming increasingly violent, with thieves using explosives, axes, sledgehammers and axes, police have said. According to Europol, the European Union’s law enforcement agency, criminals are primarily going after ancient artefacts made of gold, which can be melted down and the precious metal sold on without leaving a trace. Europol's new report Changing Tactics, Changing…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National Business",
        "title": "Europol warns on 'explosive' museum robberies targeting gold and jewels",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/europol-warns-on-explosive-museum-robberies-targeting-gold-and-jewels",
        "published": "2026-08-26T11:10:12.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}